London, 16 June 2025 | GATPM
The Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM), under the leadership of its founder-chair, Tsering Passang, who is also a former Chairman of the Tibetan Community in Britain, joined a powerful and unified demonstration in London on Saturday, 14th June, to oppose the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) proposed mega-embassy complex at Royal Mint Court – a project that continues to face fierce local and international opposition.
In a rousing speech delivered near the historic Tower of London, Passang reaffirmed the alliance’s unwavering opposition to what he called a “monstrous” plan that threatens civil liberties, national security, and the integrity of British democratic institutions.
“More than five years ago, when this appalling plan first emerged, we came together to resist it,” said Passang. “Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers, pro-democracy Chinese, advocacy groups, and allies stood shoulder to shoulder with Tower Hamlets residents and councillors. Together, we marched these very streets, engaged MPs, and raised the alarm.”
This latest high-profile protest – which drew a combined crowd of over 4,000 people across two consecutive rallies (“No to CCP Mega-Embassy” and “China: Stop Transnational Repression”) – was organised by leading members of the Hong Kong diaspora, including former District Councillor Clara Cheung. It brought together a diverse alliance of communities including Tibetans, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, Taiwanese, pro-democracy Chinese, Ukrainians, local residents and British human rights advocates.
Passang reminded attendees that this would not be an ordinary embassy if approved. “This would become the CCP’s largest foreign outpost in Europe – a vast and intimidating compound, just steps away from the historic Tower of London, a symbol of British freedom and resilience. It would be a beacon not of diplomacy, but of surveillance, intimidation, and transnational repression.”
He pointed to mounting international concern over China’s diplomatic footprint, citing covert Chinese police stations uncovered in the US, Europe, and even in London. Countries such as the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States have voiced serious alarm, with many taking decisive actions to counteract CCP-led interference.
GATPM also commended key British institutions and individuals who have stood against the project – including Members of Parliament, national security services, the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), and principled business leaders – all recognising that this embassy would pose not only a local threat, but also a national one.
“We urge the British Government to act boldly – in defence of national security, democratic values, and moral leadership,” said Passang. “Reject this expansionist CCP project. Do not let the Royal Mint Court become a gateway for repression on British soil.”
In her address, organiser Clara Cheung reminded the crowd that Tower Hamlets Council had rejected the embassy application in December 2022, citing safety, heritage, and policing concerns. However, the UK Government later “called in” the decision for review following Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to China in October 2024 – a move she denounced as undermining local democracy.
“This does not respect the bottom-up democratic mechanisms that the British people have long valued,” Cheung said. “As a former Hong Kong District Councillor, I believe it is important to maintain a bottom-up democratic channel to listen to communities’ down-to-earth opinions. Although Hongkongers have lost many battles, we have not given up – and we don’t want our friends in the UK to lose it.”
Other speakers included: Ying Perrett, Liberal Democrat Councillor (Surrey); Carmen Lau and Tony Chung, former Hong Kong District Councillors (both with HK$1 million bounties on their heads); Dr. K, renowned pianist; Liz, Tower Hamlets resident; Hsuan-Yi Li, Taiwanese activist and Kalun To, former Hong Kong District Councillor.
The Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities pledges to continue its campaign in coalition with all who stand for freedom, justice, and human dignity – to ensure that Britain does not become a safe harbour for foreign repression.
Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) 